Microphone Choices:

THE EFX HOME STRETCH / BACK TO THE MIC DUNGEON!...

We've been circling the HARPMOBILE around the gigantic STOMPBOX TREE long enough to absorb the identity, history, and uses of many of the huge number of gizmos that constantly sprout from its branches. We've seen the modern mini-versions of the old stand-bys (REVERB and ECHO) and sampled the "not of this earth" sounds of the crop from the more exotic side of the tree (FLANGERS, RING MODULATORS, and SYNTHS). As we begin to swing the HARPMOBILE back toward the MIC DUNGEON, it's time to reflect upon the key points to be considered...

Developing Your Own Sound

To mutate or not to mutate? That's one of the questions, Shakespeare. Should YOU be up there, swinging through the branches of the STOMPBOX TREE? Know that only YOU can determine what those new sounds generating in your head might be and if they're worth the time and effort of harvesting-and IF one of these sonic Swiss Army knives might be the key.

HINT: Once again, the benefits of a little field research are realized when applying such effects devices to the grand TIN SANDWICH. Just keep in mind that most were never intended to be used for or with harp, let alone suffer having a microphone plugged into it...

Compatability

Learn what gear will work with yours and how they interact. Read up on the tech info available online. Are they of like or similar impedance? Can they be modified, if needed?

Overindulgence

Not just a dietary term! Are you afraid of becoming a GEAR JUNKIE? Blindly plugging this pedal into that and wondering where your next STOMPBOX fix will come from? Just remember that ownership shouldn't be the principal issue here. Once again, test-driving these gizmos could save you a bundle of $ by eliminating the considered candidates that just don't deliver the imagined goods. Tools-even musical tools-are only of practical value if you can make use of them, so invest wisely.

Try Them Out Before You Buy!

Preferably in a store you're comfortable with using a mic and amp you're familiar with. That way you can get a clear impression of the possibilities. Hey! It's all one big crap shoot anyway! And not much of a gamble at that! What a way to roll the dice! What a journey! You'd better buckle-up!

The HARPMOBILE is now set to "autopilot" and our next stop will be the MIC DUNGEON. I've received plenty of mic-related questions to sift through since being out on the road for this leg of our journey, and before the garage door comes down behind me I'll have a batch of answers/solutions/tips/tricks to pass along to you.

It'll be TIME FOR THE TRUTH-Next time we visit... THE MICBENCH

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED (Email them to me at HARPMICMAN@earthlink.net).

For pictures and descriptions of most of the microphones listed visit http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/vintage_collection.htm

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